Talented writers on the rise

A sampling of scribes having a solid year

While television production hit a bump in the road last fall with the Writers Guild of America strike, it hasn’t stopped some talented scribes from having a fruitful year that might position them for greater success in TV as well as film. Here’s a sampling:

“My Name Is Earl” producer Hilary Winston, who shared in the show’s 2006 WGA nominations for new series and comedy series, has an overall deal with Sony.

Matt Hubbard, who found his way to “30 Rock” after leaving the ill-fated “Joey,” has written standout episodes like “MILF Island” and received a 2008 WGA nomination for the episode “Negotiation.”

PROCEDURAL PENS

On the procedural front for CBS, “CSI” producer Dustin Abraham has written some of the series’ most acclaimed episodes, including the “Cockroaches” seg that William Friedkin directed.

“Cold Case” consulting producer Liz Garcia has developed the pilot “Surf City” with her fiance, Josh Harto, while also getting a greenlight on her first film, “1% More Humid,” which she will also direct.

Byron Balasco (“Huff”) was recently bumped up to supervising producer on “Without a Trace,” where he’s been for three years.

NEW ADDRESSES

A number of writers are segueing nicely from show to show, as evidenced by Jenna Bans, who will be a supervising producer on the upcoming season of ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” after three years on “Desperate Housewives.”

In addition, Liz Sarnoff is building a nice resume, serving as supervising producer on “Lost” after stints on “Deadwood,” “Crossing Jordan,” and “NYPD Blue.”

ABLE ON CABLE

Executive story editor Michael Alaimo of TNTdrama “The Closer,” was singled out for a 2008 WGA nomination for the episode “The Round File.”